Show weekend. Village fields on Saturday and Sunday, a waterfall and a boat if you want a proper walk.
Early September usually brings cooler mornings and the first proper autumn feel in the valleys, with the tops colder still. We can't promise the sky, so check the MWIS Lake District forecast before setting off, and pack a waterproof for the show fields.
First full weekend back at school, and the village shows are in full swing, plus the cinemas are doing £4 tickets. Between them you can fill both days without spending much.
Short waterfall trail, with longer loops up to about 4.5 miles
Our guess is about an hour for the waterfall trail with small legs
Start: Aira Force main car park, near Ullswater, CA11 0JS
A 65-foot waterfall reached along woodland paths, which small children rate a lot higher than a view. The tea room does drinks, snacks and ice cream, and dogs are welcome on leads, so it works as a whole family morning.
The waterfall isn't accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The car park charges non-members and fills up on fine days, and the paths can be wet and steep, so wear proper shoes.
Whinlatter Forest, near Braithwaite, Keswick CA12 5TW Pay-and-display parking, see Forestry England, All ages
Waymarked walking and bike trails, an adventure playground and Go Ape on site. With sunset at about 7.56pm you've got a decent window after school, and the visitor centre and cafe are up there if you need bribes. Details and booking
Hesket Newmarket, near Caldbeck Check the organisers, All ages
A proper village show with cattle, sheep and horse classes, a grand parade, then terrier racing and Cumberland wrestling. Children's fancy dress is scheduled for 1.30pm, which is worth turning up for. Details and booking
Lowick, near Ulverston LA12 Check the organisers, All ages
Livestock, horses, home produce and local crafts, and the organisers say it's fun for all the family. Check the show website for the field location and times before you set off, as we couldn't confirm those. Details and booking
Vue Carlisle, Vue Barrow, Rheged (Penrith), Brewery Arts (Kendal) Around £4 a ticket, Depends on the film
Four Cumbrian cinemas taking part with £4 tickets. Book through each cinema's own site because screenings are expected to sell out, and note the Terminator double bill at Brewery Arts is excluded, which is a relief for most of us with primary-age children. Details and booking
Loweswater, near Cockermouth Adults £8, under 16s free at the time of writing, All ages
Hound trails, sheepdog trials, Cumberland wrestling, carriage driving and children's activities, with a blessing of the show at noon. Under 16s go free, which makes it decent value for a family. Dogs on leads are fine on the field but not in the marquees. Details and booking
Hutton-in-the-Forest, near Penrith Check the venue, All ages
A dog show with themed stalls and competitions in the grounds of Hutton-in-the-Forest, supporting a local rescue. Times and prices weren't listed, so check the venue's what's on page. Details and booking
Honister Pass, Borrowdale, Keswick CA12 5XN Tours from £25 per person, All ages, under 16s with an adult
England's last working slate mine, on a 1.5 hour underground tour with helmets and headlamps provided. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Prams and back carriers aren't allowed, and it's not wheelchair accessible. Details and booking
A castle, gardens and a Hawk and Owl Centre on the west coast, and Ravenglass is close if you want to add the miniature railway. We couldn't confirm autumn flying display times, so check before you go. Details and booking
Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and Howtown piers See website, All ages
Historic boats on Ullswater, and a natural pairing with Aira Force. The Aira Force pier was listed as not operating, so check before planning a boat hop, and plan on walking in from the car park. Details and booking
On the water
Tip. Show fields are mostly grass and gateways, so wear wellies and expect to pay cash at the odd car park. Most of these shows are small and run by volunteers, so check each organiser's site for the latest times.